Christmas, we are told, is a time to be spent with family, enjoying good company and taking a breather from the everyday turmoil of life.

When the 'children' are grown up, with or without families of their own, and we all live so far apart, it's not always possible to be together. Instead, we rely on our friends, and each other, to make Christmas a special time.

Mulled wine

Once more, on Boxing Day morning
We gather to wish our friends well
Then, downing a glass of mulled wine
We fall under its dulling spell

The rest of the day is a dream
Of Dickens and Toy Story 2
Slumbered moments by candlelight
And sleeping off Christmas with you